The flooding, which struck several districts across the country over the past week, has destroyed homes, swept away roads, and cut off entire communities. Rescue operations have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and continuing bad weather, leaving many stranded without food, clean water, or medical aid.
In affected areas, survivors have voiced frustration at what they describe as a delayed and disorganised relief effort. Local media reports quote residents saying they waited days for help while government officials appeared unprepared. "We have been left to fend for ourselves," one survivor told reporters. "The government has failed us."
The opposition has seized on the crisis, accusing the ruling coalition of negligence and demanding accountability. Critics argue that early warnings were issued but that authorities failed to act in time to evacuate vulnerable communities or stockpile emergency supplies.
The government, for its part, has defended its response, pointing to the scale of the disaster and the logistical challenges posed by Nepal's mountainous terrain. Officials say rescue teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas and that relief materials are being airlifted to remote villages. The prime minister has toured some affected districts and promised compensation for victims' families.
However, with the monsoon season still ongoing and further rainfall forecast, the risk of additional flooding remains high. Relief agencies warn that the window for effective humanitarian intervention is narrowing, particularly in isolated communities that remain cut off by landslides and damaged roads.
The mounting public anger poses a serious political challenge to the government, which is already grappling with economic difficulties and internal coalition tensions. Demonstrations have been reported in the capital, Kathmandu, with protesters demanding faster aid and a full inquiry into the official response.
International aid organisations have begun to mobilise, with the United Nations and several non-governmental groups announcing emergency support. But local activists say the immediate priority must be reaching those still trapped and preventing a secondary crisis of disease and food shortages.